The Secret Keeper of Jaipur: A novel from the bestselling author of The Henna Artist

I enjoyed the sequel to The Henna Artist a little bit more than book #1 is the series. Although you don't have to read The Henna Artist first, this book would be more enjoyable if you have read it. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur picks up 12 years later and the character stories continue. It was good to see a lot more of Malik and the man he has become. There is still plenty of Lakshmi in this book as well. I found the investigative parts of the story quite interesting and seeing the pieces come together. We still get some romance and the gossip eaters are still abound. I look forward to the third book in the series and recommend giving this book a read.

Twenty-year-old Malik is an apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace when their latest construction project, a movie theater, collapses on opening night. He immediately suspects the use of subpar construction materials. But it soon becomes clear that a cover-up is going on. Can he protect himself and his family from the powerful players in the conspiracy? This sequel to THE HENNA ARTIST can stand on its own. But I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series first. The relationships are complicated. Fortunately, the author provided a cast of characters at the beginning of the book, which helped. The plot was compelling once I got my bearings, and the storytelling beautiful. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. It's a sweeping story of a particular time and place, told through important moments in the lives of the key characters. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This second book of the three book series was just as wonderful to read as the first book. I can't wait for the third book.